The World Wealth Report by Merrill Lynch/Capgemini estimates that only 0.15% of the world's population have achieved "millionaire" status. In the world of reining, only 11 competitors have crested the millionaire peak—until now. Craig Johnson of Middletown, NY, is unofficially among the elite few National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Million Dollar Riders with $1,000,093.97 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings. Johnson is the 12th NRHA member to become an NRHA Million Dollar Rider.

Johnson, an NRHA Professional, has trained and exhibited horses for three decades. He started his career showing halter and performance horses before he chose the sport of reining as his specialty. The Middletown, NY, resident has qualified for the NRHA Futurity Finals since 1980, rarely missing the finals in the event. Johnson has earned the reputation of a respected exhibitor, clinician, trainer and coach. The two-time NRHA Futurity Open Champion also earned NRHA wins in the Derby and SuperStakes and is a multiple American Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association world champion as well.

Some of Johnson's major NRHA achievements include:

1983 - NRHA Open Futurity Champion on Lucky Bay Glo.
1984 - NRHA Open SuperStakes Champion on Mainly Martha.
1985 - NRHA Open Futurity Champion on Sparkles Rosezana.
1987 - Lazy E Open Champion on Zans Diamond Sun.
1989 - NRHA Open Derby Champion on Sparkles Suzana.
1991 - Lazy E Open Reserve Champion on Zan Parr Corolla.
1993 - NRHA Open Derby Reserve Champion, NRHA Open SuperStakes Champion and Lazy E Open Champion on Lenas Gyrator. Open Reserve World Champion on Smart Chic Olena.

Other reiners who have surpassed the $1 Million Dollar Rider NRHA Lifetime Earnings mark include Bill Horn, Tim McQuay, Shawn Flarida, Duane Latimer, Todd Bergen, Dell Hendricks, Craig Schmersal, Andrea Fappani, Tom McCutcheon, Mandy McCutcheon and Brent Wright. Tim McQuay and Shawn Flarida have each surpassed the $2 Million Dollar Rider milestone. Johnson, Brent
Wright and Nu Chex To Cash will be recognized at the upcoming 2008 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK. Wright earned his NRHA Million Dollar Rider and Nu Chex To Cash became a Million Dollar Sire earlier this year.

To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit www.NRHA.com.